FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
March 6, 2014
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEAS IN ELMORE COUNTY
FOR CORONER, FUNERAL HOME DIRECTOR
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced the convictions
today of Elmore County Coroner Timothy Ellison and Yancey Joe Mitchell III, director of
Hillside Mortuary in Wetumpka. The convictions stem from Ellison submitting inflated
charges to the county, state and several municipal entities for reimbursement in
transporting bodies. Mitchell assisted Ellison by providing false paperwork.
Ellison pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the state ethics law by using his
official position for personal gain, to second-degree theft, also a felony, and to third-degree
theft, which is a misdemeanor. Ellison’s guilty plea included $7,913 in restitution to be
made to the various public entities from which he stole. Ellison is scheduled to be
sentenced on April 9. Under State law, a public official convicted of a felony is ineligible
to hold public office.
Mitchell pleaded guilty to third-degree theft of property by aiding and abetting
Ellison in his crimes. He was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $250
fine and court costs.
Under state law, a coroner has the responsibility to transport bodies from a crime
scene to the Department of Forensic Sciences or to a funeral home. The coroner may be
reimbursed for actual expenses in doing so. Ellison submitted inflated invoices for his
costs, and Mitchell aided and abetted him with false invoices to support Ellison’s wrongful
claims.
“I am pleased that this prosecution put an end to the crimes of a corrupt public
official who betrayed the public trust and stole taxpayers’ money,” said Attorney General
Strange. “Today, Ellison and his accomplice have been held to account for their
wrongdoing. With the conclusion of this case when Ellison is sentenced, we expect that
the stolen funds will be restored to their rightful public entities.”
Attorney General Strange commended those involved in bringing this case to a
successful conclusion, noting in particular Assistant Attorneys General Bill Lisenby and
Pete Smyczek, and Special Agents of his Special Prosecutions Division. He also thanked
the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Wetumpka, Millbrook
and Tallassee for their assistance, and the State Ethics Commission for its referral of this
matter.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
